In a world that has been irrevocably altered by the COVID-19 pandemic, the documentary Was darf man noch sagen? – Wut und Wahrheit nach Corona? emerges to explore the profound changes within society’s discourse. This film, directed by Benjamin Arcioli and Rabea Rahmig, sheds light on how the pandemic's aftermath continues to shape conversations around freedom of expression and the emerging polarization of views.
Available for viewing on the ZDFmediathek and aired by ZDF on the evening of March 18, 2025, the documentary opens with moderator Eva Schulz posing an urgent question: “How does the state of freedom of expression look today?” As the film unfolds, it features a compelling discussion with well-known figures including satirist Florian Schroeder, actress Eva Herzig, intensive care nurse Ricardo Lange, and journalist Julia Ruhs, each offering their opinions on the challenges of navigating post-pandemic conversations.
Schroeder boldly states, "Everyone should be able to say everything, even the biggest nonsense. I think that's very important." This perspective echoes a strong commitment to maintaining open dialogue as fundamental to society. However, the film also delves into the complexities that challenge such openness, particularly in a landscape increasingly characterized by extreme viewpoints and a failure to embrace nuance.
Eva Herzig, known for her critical stance on vaccination during the pandemic, defends her perspective amid widespread hostility. She asserts, "I have the feeling that we live in a society where there are many prejudices, where there is the so-called right way and where there are many wrong ways." This sentiment speaks to the broader issue of a societal framework that seems to favor polarized opinions over constructive dialogue.
On the frontline of healthcare, Ricardo Lange addresses the emotional and professional strains endured during such crises, stating, "Whenever people are in need, the true face of society is revealed." His words highlight the importance of empathy and understanding amidst the turmoil that extreme positions foster.
Julia Ruhs articulates her concerns regarding the role of social media in this dynamic. She explains how hate messages and the harsh tones proliferating online are reshaping public discourse, creating an environment where constructive discussion is endangered. This reinforces the documentary's central focus on how current societal tensions partly arise from a lack of favorable platforms for open conversation. The film poses crucial questions about societal moralization, misinformation, and how populism impacts the diversity of opinions in dialogue.
The conversations presented in the film raise critical questions about the type of society we aspire to create. As Eva Schulz summarizes poignantly, "Talking to each other, even when it's uncomfortable," becomes a guiding principle for fostering productive discussions in a polarized world. The documentary argues that reclaiming this ability is essential for bridging the widening rifts in society.
As the narrative unfolds, it emphasizes that the pandemic may have merely amplified existing societal issues rather than created them from scratch. The increased polarization witnessed today—whether regarding public health measures or broader social debates—reflects a deepening divide that requires urgent attention. Viewers are encouraged to reflect on the necessity of embracing diverse perspectives even when they challenge personal beliefs.
With rapid social changes resulting from both the pandemic and the ensuing discourse, the documentary serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of dialogue in the healing and rebuilding of communities. As society continues to navigate these complexities, the insights and reflections provided by the film's contributors serve as valuable prompts for introspection and action.
In conclusion, Was darf man noch sagen? – Wut und Wahrheit nach Corona? reminds us that while the past few years have been riddled with challenges, they have also presented an opportunity to rethink our approaches to discussion and understanding. The documentary calls for renewed commitment to free speech and the art of dialogue, encouraging individuals to engage openly with the difficult questions of our times.
